In the world of professional sports, joy and despair coexist as powerful forces, each one amplifying the other. This duality is vividly illustrated in the career of Stephen Curry. When chronicling his journey to the Hall of Fame, one must remember not only his infectious smile on draft day and his incredible high-arcing three-pointers but also the heartache and shattered dreams he has instigated among rival teams and their fan bases.
No team has endured the torment of Curry’s brilliance quite like the Houston Rockets. On Sunday night, Curry’s Golden State Warriors eliminated the Rockets from the NBA playoffs for the fifth time in just over a decade. The decisive Game 7 ended with a 103-89 victory for the Warriors, where Curry showcased his clutch performance by scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, solidifying his reputation as a basketball Grim Reaper.
As the game reached its closing moments, many Rockets fans began to leave the Toyota Center, even with just a 10-point deficit. They understood Curry's unmatched ability to deliver in critical moments, knowing that hope was a fleeting fantasy.
The rivalry between the Rockets and Curry's Warriors began in 2015, when both Curry and James Harden were emerging as NBA superstars. The Warriors ascended to championship glory that year, prompting Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to meticulously build a roster aimed at dethroning them. Despite several attempts—including empowering Harden to become the league’s highest-scoring guard since a young Michael Jordan and embracing analytics to maximize three-point attempts—the Rockets fell short time and again against Curry’s unstoppable Warriors.
From 2013 to 2020, the Rockets made the playoffs eight consecutive times but were eliminated by the Warriors in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. They famously came within a game of reaching the NBA Finals in 2018, only to miss 27 consecutive three-pointers in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss, while Curry scored 27 points to seal their fate.
After a significant rebuilding phase, which began with Harden’s trade to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, the Rockets found themselves facing the Warriors again in this year’s playoffs. With new leadership and a fresh roster, the Rockets were a different team. Only two players—Steven Adams and Jeff Green—remained from the previous playoff encounters with Curry. Rising star Amen Thompson, the 2023 lottery pick, was merely a preteen during Curry’s first playoff showdown with the Rockets in 2015.
The 2023 Rockets, featuring talented first-round picks like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr., demonstrated their defensive prowess and fought tooth and nail, ultimately winning 52 games and claiming the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. After overcoming an initial Game 1 loss, they showed resilience by pushing the series to a decisive Game 7.
However, Sunday’s game was a painful reminder of past encounters. Curry, now 37, proved once again that he could dismantle the Rockets at will. Even after missing his first five shots and scoring just three points by halftime, he remained a formidable force. Warriors’ wing Buddy Hield stepped up with a surprising scoring outburst, contributing significantly to the team's early lead.
“That was one of the toughest defenses I’ve ever faced,” Curry remarked, reflecting on the physicality and relentless pressure from the Rockets. Despite being tightly guarded, he soon found his rhythm and delivered a deep three-pointer just before halftime, signaling the start of his offensive onslaught.
As the game progressed, Curry showcased his unmatched skill, scoring critical points that left the Rockets scrambling. He executed a series of dazzling plays, including a circus layup and a signature step-back three-pointer that put the game out of reach. With a 20-point lead secured, Curry demonstrated his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, finishing the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 46 minutes of play.
Curry’s exit from the court was a moment of triumph, surrounded by family and friends, as even some Rockets fans captured the bittersweet moment on their phones. “You kind of saw Thompson develop in front of everybody’s eyes,” Curry noted, recognizing the talent and potential of his young opponent, who had put up a strong fight throughout the series.
As the NBA playoffs continue, the story of Stephen Curry and the Houston Rockets serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of sports. With joy and despair intertwined, the legacy of Curry is not just about his victories but also the emotional rollercoaster he has created for his rivals. The Rockets may have fallen short once again, but their determination to rise from the ashes of defeat ensures that this rivalry is far from over.
